Sound QualityThe Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin has Very Good overall sound quality - although it has some noticeable sonic quirks, this model reproduces music and dialog very well. Bass has good impact and goes deep, but is a bit tubby, and depending on the program material can range from a bit prominent to prominent. Midrange is fairly even, but is somewhat grainy. Treble is extended, but is a bit smeared and touch subdued. Does a decent job of recovering room ambience and is a bit congested. There is no significant difference between WiFi and Bluetooth sound quality. Provides adequate listening volume for a medium to large sized room.
Versatility
Versatility is Very Good. It's a stereo speaker, with multi-room support with other Bowers & Wilkins speakers. Wireless: WiFi supports only 2.4Ghz and it has Bluetooth. Communications: Lacks support for calling, texting and messaging features. Digital Assistant Muting: Has a non-dedicated, (unlabeled dual button control) to disable the digital assistant by muting its microphones. Audio Connections: Lacks analog audio inputs and outputs. Audio Tailoring: Lacks auto calibration, but has treble and bass controls. OS Support: iOS, Android. Other connections and features: Lacks a USB device port and integral Smart Home Hub. Display: Lacks a display. Streaming by voice command: Supports voice command of common streaming services such as Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, Tune-In. Voice ID: Supports voice identity - a feature which allows the account holder with their voice print to access personal information.
Ease of Use
Overall ease of use of the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin is good. Wireless setup: Setup requires an app downloaded to a device or device connection, easy and intuitive - need instructions (may be included in app), may or may not involve inputting WiFi network password, account setups. Console controls: The unit has low contrast volume control buttons labeled (+/-) on the rear of the console. Lacks index markings for volume levels, and does not provide any indication when max volume is reached. Volume level can be determined via Alexa voice command request. Audio mute: Lacks mute control on console. Microphone mute: Unlabeled multi-function button, not well placed (behind). However, clear indication when it is engaged. Source selections: Requires app to be installed and account login, app can switch between wireless sources but can't switch to Bluetooth source in App (which requires exiting the app to manual reconnect to paired Bluetooth source - Use above deduction.) App remote: Volume control symbol, then volume slider, lacks index markings so not easily repeatable, but easy to actuate. Shown for currently playing streamed WiFi or Bluetooth music. Mute: (Remote) Well marked, well placed, clear indication when it is engaged and mutes the line input. Voice transport controls: Natural language control of transport (Play/Pause/Skip/Mute), volume controls and source selection was easy and intuitive.
